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The resultant pressure left her with a permanent spinal chord injury and she was temporarily blind in one eye and also suffered breathing difficulties.

It was then when doctors gave her the devastating news that her injuries meant she would never walk again and she live the rest of her life requiring the use of a wheelchair.

And despite being in a position where she embraces her disability, Ms McTernan revealed the initial prognosis was extremely difficult to take.

Liz was injured when a diving trip went wrong

“When I was told I would need a wheelchair for the rest of my life I wasn’t very happy,” she said.

“It was hard as I was a single parent with kids who were nine and ten at the time, and we had just moved to Lincolnshire to make a fresh new start, but the injury meant it wasn’t quite what I expected it to be.

“Before that I had been homeless for two years and staying with friends. I had just got a mortgage and was a supply teacher as well as applying for more permanent jobs.

“It was supposed to be a weekend away, but I ended up not coming back. I was in hospital for four months.”

Liz before her accident

Once back, she tried to resume a career as a teacher, but her injuries meant she couldn’t cope and she eventually quit her job.

She spiralled into depression suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder and would regularly relive every painful memory of her accident.

However, despite not being able to kick, she revealed swimming often acted as a refuge and in 2010, a lifeguard noted her ability and suggested she try the triathlon.

Ms McTernan gave it a go and thoroughly enjoyed it, saying the sport has helped transform her life.

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“It has changed my life completely,” she said. “I love the fact I can ride a hand bike, race in my racing chair as well as swim.

“Often people see me training and think I am abled bodied. I have even had people coming up to me and telling me I don’t look old enough to look disabled.”

Keen to test her abilities, she has travelled the world medalling in both European and world events.

She underwent years of rehab

However, despite being ranked number one in her category for hand-biking, she was left out of the Paralympic team for Rio.

“I came close to qualifying for Rio,” she said. “I wanted to compete in the road Paralympic hand cycling individual time trial.

“My category wasn’t an event though and I wasn’t selected for another.”

Now with aspirations to represent her country at the Toyko games in 2020, Ms McTernon has now qualified for the gruelling Ironman competition in Hawaii, later this year.

The gruelling triathlon event is renowned for its ability to push competitors to their physical limits, but Ms McTernon said she can’t wait to get to get started.

Liz now uses a wheelchair

“I am heading out to Kona in less than a month,” she said. “It’s exciting.

“I am ranked 23 in the world and second in the UK and that’s after a man, so I am actually the best woman.”

There are small doubts she may not be able to compete however.

All events are self-funded or provided by sponsors and while her flight is booked, an extra charge from the airline of £1000 for her equipment means Ms McTernon is facing an tricky task to get the money together for her accommodation.

She is eyeing the 2020 Paralympics in Toyko

“I do need sponsors as I am yet to book my accommodation,” she said.

“It isn’t cheap, and I am looking at £1,700, which I personally can’t afford.”